Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…
James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, is determined to prove he’s capable of taking leadership of his family’s Montana ranch as the next deadly winter approaches. With the household stretched to its limits, James crafts a clever plan to hire Rose Prescott—his childhood best friend—and to right an old wrong.
Rose's remarkable singing voice was meant to be her gift, but in Virginia City, it’s become her curse. Forced by her stepfather to perform nightly shows, she dreams of escape and a life free from his control. When a newspaper ad for a housekeeper offers her a way out, she risks everything and flees, hoping her stepfather can’t find her. She never expected to return to the Balfour ranch, nor to see James again, whose charm now reminds her too much of the men who’ve betrayed her before.
James’s desire to protect Rose is shaken when his old friend treats him like an enemy. Winning her trust becomes his greatest challenge yet. As tensions rise on the ranch, old secrets and new dangers threaten everything James and his family have built.
With enemies closing in, Rose must decide whom she can trust—and whether she’s willing to fight for the freedom and love she’s always longed for.
From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, a second chance romance, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.
Tropes/ *mail-order bride *second chance romance *boss/employee *class differences *high-stakes danger *family saga *Rocky Mountain wilderness setting *frontier time period
Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get a free bestselling novel here: https://mistymbeller.com/freebook
Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.
Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.
Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.
Just love this series! Misty sure knows how to keep you interested!! We pick up where book 1 left off, so I highly recommend starting with book 1 since we see Enoch and Mandie's story continue a bit in this as well from where things ended. You can read it as a standalone but its best in my opinion to start with book 1 :)
This is James and Rose's romance story. James Balfour is one of the brothers we follow throughout this series and Rose Prescott is his childhood friend on the run for her safety. James is determined to prove his worth on the ranch and Rose is trying to escape her abusive step-father as he had a contract for her to continue working for him for many years. She goes on the run answering an ad to help James and his family but when James realizes it's Rose from so long ago, his protective instincts kick in. They reconnect on the ranch and when trouble comes knocking...James isn't going to let her step-father win.
We also have a bit of a mystery tied in too that was unexpected and kept me engaged in the book.
I think this series is a good one for anyone who likes Rocky Mountain settings, Christian Historical Romance and a good family saga. The Christian content was good also!
Thank you to Misty for providing a copy for me to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own. I am looking forward to the next book! :) These books have been exactly what I need in a tough season right now.
content warnings: no language, clean kisses only romance, abusive step-father but it was mild, mentions of past parental death, overall mild fighting
Mail-Order Baroness, Lord of the Rockies Book 2, is a a clean Christian novel with a mail-order bride, a second-chance romance, and a marriage of convenience to an aristocrat, set in the glorious Montana territory. Engaging and hopeful!
This is a fantastic book!! It's #2 of the Lord of the Rockies series. It can be read as a standalone but I recommend reading the first book Mail Order Duchess as it provides essential character backgrounds.
The characters are well written and easy to like (except for one 🤫). James is a very sentimental man. He has held on to fond memories of Rose, his playmate when he was a child. Her sudden departure from his life left him with unanswered questions and heartache. Rose is living in a nightmare. Her life is run by a man who seemed generous but it was all a trap. Her desperation leads her to her childhood friend and possible freedom.
Redemption is the main theme of this book. All of the years that Rose had lost because of secrets and lies were now in the past with a promise of a wonderful future! "I think sometimes God's best gifts come wrapped in our deepest pain....now we get to spend the rest of our lives discovering what God does with people who've learned to trust Him."
I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the series. You don’t have to read them in order to enjoy them but there may be spoilers. This story is about James and Rose. They knew each other when they were younger and Rose has been gone for years. She has been singing in shows for her stepfather in a contract for payment for him taking care of her mother while sick. When she sees a job notice she decides to escape. She didn’t know the job was for James’s family. The five brothers need more help around the place and James tries to get Rose to come. Which works! She shows up and they are reunited. But her stepfather is hunting her down. I really enjoyed this story! I loved seeing the Balfour family again. I loved watching Rose and James get together. Rose’s stepfather is despicable! Good Christian content! Overall a great story and I recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: choking and hitting
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This sweet story was heartwarming. Poor Rose had been ripped from an idyllic life on the Balfour ranch and forced into a terrible life for the remainder of her childhood and early adult years. I felt so sorry for all that she had endured and the way she had been treated.
And I really felt for James, too. He was such a kind and caring man who had always wondered what had happened to the childhood friend that he loved. His determination and focus to help Rose was admirable and he proved his strength and love for her again and again as he did anything necessary to keep her safe.
This story is also a nice addition to the Lords of the Rockies series, however it can be enjoyed even if you haven’t read the first book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I received an advance reader copy of this book, the thoughts and review are my own. Another great read from Misty M Beller. I love how she weaves history in to a great story! Can childhood love turn into real love when you get older? Can a bond shared as children hold even into adulthood? Rose and James’s story is full of deep and unconditional love grown from childhood. Years apart bring them to different places in life, but God brings them back together in His time. This is a story remind us that God is always working things out for our good, even when we feel like He isn’t answering us at all. A good reminder to trust in the Father and not try to do it all ourselves.
Romance 2 (A bit longer kissing, but not described.)
Violence 1 (Some Blood)
Faith 2
Profanity/Language 2 (Mention of cursing)
Youth Appropriate 0
Personal Rating 5
Thoughts:
Once again, Misty M. Beller has written an amazing book. One that is sweet, gentle, and strong. One that gives an important message of letting God have the control and also having strength of character.
... This was so good!!!!!!! The ending especially was so sweet and cozy and perfect (I've said it before, and will say it again: a newborn baby makes everything so much softer and amazing.) I liked getting to see James' story, as well as seeing a bit into the other characters, and I can't wait for Robert's story to come!
But this story. I definitely recommend it. Go, pick up a copy, find somewhere cozy to sit, grab your favorite drink, and read!
Thank you, Misty M. Beller, for the ARC copy of this story.
Bible Verse
1 John 4:15 KJV
[15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
Part of a Series:
Book two in the Lords of the Rockies series
Synopsis:
James Balfour, the charming middle son of an English duke, is determined to prove he’s capable of taking leadership of his family’s Montana ranch as the next deadly winter approaches. With the household stretched to its limits, James crafts a clever plan to hire Rose Prescott—his childhood best friend—and to right an old wrong.
Rose's remarkable singing voice was meant to be her gift, but in Virginia City, it’s become her curse. Forced by her stepfather to perform nightly shows, she dreams of escape and a life free from his control. When a newspaper ad for a housekeeper offers her a way out, she risks everything and flees, hoping her stepfather can’t find her. She never expected to return to the Balfour ranch, nor to see James again, whose charm now reminds her too much of the men who’ve betrayed her before.
James’s desire to protect Rose is shaken when his old friend treats him like an enemy. Winning her trust becomes his greatest challenge yet. As tensions rise on the ranch, old secrets and new dangers threaten everything James and his family have built.
With enemies closing in, Rose must decide whom she can trust—and whether she’s willing to fight for the freedom and love she’s always longed for.
“Don’t tell me I shouldn’t have come for you. There’s nowhere you could go that I wouldn’t follow.”
This second chance romance is packed with danger, family, faith, and romance. I loved the theme of redemption through out and the reminders that God is in control and working for our good.
James is determined, strong, and understanding. His devotion to Rose definitely withstood the test of time. I loved that he was willing to do anything to help her. I think one of my favorite parts of the story was when he determined to show Rose how much he still loved her. So sweet! I absolutely love the relationship that the brothers share, the way they look out for, support, and challenge each other. Rose is brave, kind, and a little scared. I loved her strength in the face of her trials. I adored the connection Rose and James shared, their memories and easy friendship. I enjoyed seeing Rose interact with Mrs. Wang and James’ brothers. I loved seeing Rose come to realize that trusting God was the only way to live her life. Rose and James finding their well-deserved happily ever after was so satisfying.
A few more quotes: “I don’t have answers, Rose. But I know God can redeem even the years that were stolen. I have to believe that, or missing you all this time would have drowned me.”
“You’re the strongest, bravest woman I’ve ever known. I want to spend the rest of my life proving to you how much you’re worth loving.”
“I think sometimes God’s best gifts come wrapped in our deepest pain.
Note: This is book 2 in the series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone. The series MMCs are brothers and they live at the same ranch so the books are definitely connected.
This ARC was provided by the author. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.
Another great story by Misty M Beller. This story is filled with suspense, danger, and family support and loyalty. As the Balfour family realizes that they need help for their housekeeper, James is convinced that Rose, his childhood companion and the one who has held his heart, is the one they should hire. He has never forgotten her, nor she him, although her life has taken a tragic turn. She is being held captive by her stepfather and forced to sing in a saloon. When she secretly answers an ad for house help, she runs away hoping to escape the life she is forced to live. When she finds out that James is the one who wrote the ad, she is afraid she will not be welcome at the ranch since she and her mother left so suddenly. As she reconnects with the Balfour family and begins to feel safe, her past catches up with her and she runs away again. James comes to her rescue and proves his love for her by his willingness to lay down his life to protect her. This was a great story of love, forgiveness, and redemption as Rose comes to believe that she is worthy of love.
I received a copy of this book from the author, but a positive review was not required and this is my honest thoughts.
Hope-filled and faith-building, Western romance of childhood friends-turn-strangers to-more in its finest.
This story is clean, sweet, and like a reminder of never giving up hope. Customary to Mrs. Beller’s style the storyline flows and plot catches, and as it develops, romance blooms, faith grows, and characters mature. This novel is definitely not stagnant: one can easily lose themselves in “one more chapter” as friends grow to love, villains chase, and happily ever after is within grasp. So so good.
It is a second book in the series, and one of my favorite parts of any series that Mrs. Beller creates is the fact that we meet the beloved characters again to see them also grow and evolve as new developments take place, and yet be in the periphery allowing the new couple to shine.
Another part I never get tired of is the faith of the characters, real and raw with their own slew of mistakes and flaws. And here it is the growth of their faith that’s so beautiful to observe: from frustrating to trusting to growing to strengthening.
Possible triggers: kidnapping, fighting, injuries,
I had a privilege to read an advanced copy and absolutely loved it! All opinions expressed are my own.
I loved this heartwarming story about James and Rose. They both moved from England to Montana when they were about five years old and were the best of friends. James and his four brothers and their mother who was a Baroness of England started a cattle ranch when they moved to Montana. Rose's mother helped the Baroness and was a close friend. When the Baroness died after a slow death assumed to be consumption, Rose and her mother suddenly moved to Virginia City when Rose's mother married a city slicker who forced her and Rose to sign contracts to sing in a saloon. James was heartbroken over his mother's death and the loss of his best friend. They are reunited many years later when James places an ad in the newspaper for a housekeeper to help their elderly housekeeper. Rose answers the ad not knowing who she will be working for so she can escape from the life her stepfather has forced her into after her mother died. The rest of the story builds with suspense when Rose finds out that her stepfather has posted a reward for her return when he finds she has run away. The characters are wonderful and I highly recommend this as an exciting and clean romantic suspense. This is my voluntary and honest review.
With his brother, Enoch, expected to leave for England in the summer, James, the next in line, will be taking over the Balfour ranch. When their housekeeper needs assistance keeping the place running, James uses the opportunity to try to bring his childhood best friend, Rose, who used to help Mrs. Wang in the kitchen when they were children, back home.
Rose Prescott was forced to leave the Balfour ranch, where her mother worked, when she was nine years old. After her death, Rose was forced to sing in her stepfather's saloon as payment for her mother’s medical bills and funeral expenses. When Rose sees an advertisement for a household position at a peaceful mountain ranch, she sees a way to escape.
Mail-Order Baroness is the second book in Misty M. Beller's new series, Lords Of The Rockies. James and Rose's story was full of action and adventure. I enjoyed returning to the Balfour ranch and look forward to the next one.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book. I volunteered to read it and write a review.
I was blessed to get this advanced copy to read in exchange for my honest review. I love Misty Beller’s storytelling ability. She takes ordinary people and the problems they face showing how walking in faith is the best way. James and Roses story is both tragic and beautiful. They had a great connection as children that didn’t waver while they were apart. I couldn’t put the book down once I started reading their story. I love all the imagery of their surroundings and the way the family always pulls together. The sorrow felt very real that I had tears in my eyes as I read. The joy made my heart sing as well. I loved all the brothers and the rest of the family as well. Mrs Wang being the matriarch of this group since she raised them after their mother’s death when they were children and their father lived in England. They all accepted Rose as part of the family even-though her mother took her away as a child after she remarried. It is definitely a beautiful story. I highly recommend reading it and the series.
There’s something about this series that’s so easy to love. It has to be the characters that feel so genuine to me, or Beller’s ability to weave together an engaging plot that’s both sweet and fraught with internal and external tension- probably a combination of both. This series has not shied away from the harsh realities of life, but it’s also hope-filled with the protective Balfour brothers who love deeply, and strong- yet a little damaged- women in their path. The twist of the brothers being English is so enjoyable.
I love friends to more stories, and this one also has a bit of a second chance spin. You can’t help but love the childhood best friends, James and Rose. So obviously meant for one another, their reunion is not without its hurdles- some of them truly difficult. The secrets and sorrow between them draw you in to this engaging story, rooting for them all the way and longing for them to best the villain.
I received a complementary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are my own.
Misty M. Beller has done it again - delivering a story that captures the heart from the very first page. Mail-Order Baroness blends tender romance, deep faith, and frontier grit in a way only she can. The characters are beautifully layered, each carrying their own burdens yet growing into strength, courage, and grace as the story unfolds. The plot moves with a steady, engaging rhythm—full of warmth, unexpected twists, and moments that tug at the emotions. The relationship between the main characters feels authentic and heartfelt, as they learn to trust each other and trust God through every challenge. Beller’s writing never disappoints, and this book is no exception. It’s wholesome, uplifting, and wonderfully immersive. By the last page, I found myself both satisfied and wishing for just one more chapter. If you love historical Christian romance with depth and heart, this is a must-read.
Rose’s life has been almost unbearable for the past 11 years; she has lost faith that God even hears or cares for her anymore. When a chance for freedom comes her way, she jumps for it, in spite of the danger running away could bring.
James’s life hasn’t been easy, but God and his brothers have been his anchor. When his childhood best friend, Rose, returns to his ranch, his life changes in so many ways. He wants her to know she is loved forever and that he will protect her, even to the breaking of himself.
I liked their story. Through James’s care for Rose, she learned that God does love her and cares what happens. James gets his heart’s desire: Rose as his wife, forever and always. I’m looking forward to the next novel in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
Mail-Order Baroness by Misty M. Beller is another book that I absolutely loved just like the first book in the series. The questions that these characters have are ones that we all have asked one time or another. Rose with her feelings of unworthiness, wondering why God did not help when she was younger, loss of parents, and the need for protection from a predator who is skilled at manipulation. James has his own questions, but he has had strong influence from family who relies on God.
This story of second chance friendship leading to love involves class differences. In addition, I was so taken by this book because it touches on danger from a vengeful and ruthless villain who God overcomes, a family standing together and God’s wonderful grace. What an inspiring story with characters that I love.
This story features many great characters, each of whom feels like family. James and Rose share a sweet relationship as childhood friends, and their shared memories set the stage for a beautiful romance. Misty Beller masterfully pulls you into the narrative with her exquisite storytelling, making you connect deeply with every emotion and thought that the characters experience. The way she weaves God into Rose's life is perfect, illustrating how His influence is present throughout the challenges she faces. Misty's powerful writing style captivates the reader, showcasing her remarkable gift for storytelling. The mix of romance and danger creates an entertaining and exciting read that truly touches the heart! Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Rose spent some years at the Balfour Ranch, when she & her mother travelled with the Balfour family from England to the US. She spent hours with 3rd son James, enjoying a close friendship. At age 9 her mother suddenly left the ranch with Rose, and married Vincent. 12 years later, Rose is trapped under contract with Vincent. She's singing in a saloon and wants out. The Balfour brothers are looking for someone to lighten the load for Bea, their long time housekeeper. Rose sees the advertisement and manages to escape to the ranch. It feels like "home". There's the usual adventure, hard times, and a strong trust in God's love. I enjoy the author's books based on "found family". I gratefully received this book in advance and the comments are my own.
Mail-Order Baroness #2 Lords of the Rockies by Misty M. Beller
1869 Montana Territory. I really like all the Balfour brothers and their housekeeper, Mrs. Wang. James Balfour is taking over the leadership of his family’s Montana ranch when his eldest brother, Enoch, the next Duke of Clarence and his wife, Mandie move to England. Mrs. Wang is getting up in years and needs assistance and James comes up with a plan to hire his childhood friend, Rose Prescott. Even though Rose left twelve years ago, he's hopeful she will come. Now, how to get her here. Rose longs to leave Virginia City and her guardian, Vincent Dunhill. But how? Then an advertisement in the local paper catches her eye and offers hope. She needs a plan to escape. Rose and James have challenges as they get reacquainted. Unknown secrets are revealed and danger follows Rose. Can James save Rose before she is injured or killed? With prayer and a plan, Rose and James band together to stop the danger. A great story of love, forgiveness and redemption and faith.
~I bought the e-book and I received ARC copy from the author/publisher via BookFunnel (no monetary gain was exchanged), this is my honest review~
We meet again the four Belfour brothers, Enoch’s wife Mandie and Mrs. Wang from book one. Someone from their past returns. In the many years she has been gone, she has learned that people, especially men, cannot be trusted. She carries a secret and guilt. Will she bring trouble to their ranch? The author has only added two characters but others hover in the background. Ms. Beller completes much more of the personalities and skills of James, Thomas, and Robert in book two. She is preparing us for more to come while telling a story with emotional ups and downs, danger, fear, and an occasional poor choice. All those things kept me holding my breath. At the end, I predict you will be anxiously awaiting the next book.
James, the middle son of an English Duke, has decided to find his old friend that lived on the ranch and was his best friend when he was young to help out their housekeeper.Rose left with her mother unexpectedly years ago and they haven't heard from her since. But, James has kept track of her. She needs help and so do James and his brothers. But, it's not as simple as it sounds. I love books by Misty Beller. She connects with her readers right on the first page. It's hard to put the book down. I highly recommend this book and the first one in the series as well. I did receive a copy of the book from the author, but this review is my own opinion. Read it. You won't be sorry!
Another awesome story by Misty Beller who is an amazing writer. She knows how to weave characters together while telling a story. This book is part of the Lords of the Rockies series. This is book 2 in the series. The book is about the second brother, James, and his childhood friend, Rose. They have been separated for 11 years, but are brought back together. Rose is afraid her past will prevent James from accepting her. James wants to rekindle their friendship and proclaim his love for Rose, but will her past keep them apart? As they each look to God, they learn to trust God for more than they could ever imagine.
This book was about a young woman, Rose, that is trapped in a situation that she fears she will never escape. When she is presented with a possible solution, she risks everything for the hope of a better future. When James’ family needs someone to help with the household chores, only one woman comes to his mind. He prays he can convince her to come back to their home. What they discover is there are many secrets to unveil and trust to restore.
I love this series and how these Balfore brothers face whatever is thrown at them and stick together. The women that have come into their lives are survivors and their family continues to grow.
James and Rose’s story is so endearing. Love never dimmed for these two even though tough circumstances separated them from early childhood only to reconnect eleven years later. This story is a testimony to enduring love. Their life lesson was summed up at the end of the novel “He (James) couldn’t stop every storm or heal his broken bone. But he could lay the ones he loved into God’s hands and keep his arms open. Maybe that was what strength truly was-not the ability to control or fix everything, but the wisdom to trust the Father instead of trying to handle it all alone.” R. Fody Jan. 4, 2026
This is the second book in Misty Beller’s Lord of the Rockies series. Another brother, James, is featured in this one, and his path to true love is pretty tortured – with the usual trying to get places in the snow, his love interest thinking she doesn’t deserve love, another nasty villain to outsmart, and all sorts of physical pain (how many times can you break the same leg?) to overcome. Lots of good insights on unconditional love, what family really is, and trusting God instead of handling everything by oneself.
Oh, how I loved James and Rose’s story. James’ plan to bring Rose back to the Balfour ranch was well-designed and executed. I loved that Rose was able to escape from the horrors of her life under the rule of her stepfather and head to a better life. Through the dangers of a deadly Montana Territory winter with its daily challenges and the schemes of Rose’s stepfather, this great story was brought to a wonderful conclusion by a master storyteller. The author did a great job with this book, and I certainly look forward to more of this series!
Another God glorifying book from Misty. I love the way Misty reminds us that when we fully trust God He comes through for us even when we think all hope is lost. This is a book of redemption and second chances. We have a God who loves unconditionally and is waiting for us to learn to trust. Rose had lost trust in God and humans and we see how God uses her circumstances to teach her to trust again especially in Him, despite the storms of life we too can rely on Him. I received an ARC of this book from the author, all thoughts are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a great read! There’s never a dull moment. It’s easy to identify with the character’s struggles. This book reminded me of love enduring, blind faith and about focusing on the light when in the darkness. I love how the characters have struggles but they don’t let it define or hold them back from enjoying life.
I always enjoy reading Misty’s books and have a hard time putting them down.
What a fantastic book! Rose and James had been childhood friends at the Balfour Ranch but Rose and her mother left suddenly with no explanation years ago. Circumstances brought Rose back to the ranch and she and James face several challenges as they figure out if they have a future together.
You don't have to have read the first book in this series to enjoy this one, but it will add to their story if you have.